Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system of the body causes damage to the protective cover of the nerve fibers, called myelin. This further affects the central nervous system and results in various health complications. Though this type of health disorder cannot be cured, treatments for multiple sclerosis are administered, aiming to slow down the advancement of the disease and also manage the symptoms. The symptoms vary among patients, and those who experience milder symptoms often do not need any treatment. The various treatments and their purposes are discussed below.

1. Treatments for relieving the symptoms of multiple sclerosis

• Corticosteroids

Doctors prescribe these medications to reduce the inflammation of nerves. However, they might cause side effects such as high blood pressure, insomnia, mood swings, etc.

• Plasmapheresis

In this treatment, plasma is removed from the blood cells. These blood cells are combined with albumin and placed back in the body. This method of plasma exchange is applicable if the symptoms are new and severe, and do not react to steroids.

2. Treatments to slow down the progression of multiple sclerosis
To slow the progression of this disease, doctors will prescribe oral medication, injections, or infusions that have been known to help patients.

Oral medications that are commonly used include the following:

• Dimethyl Fumarate (Tecfidera)
  It is consumed twice daily and can help in reducing the relapses of this disease. Patients might experience side effects such as nausea, diarrhea, and reduced white blood cell count.
• Siponimod (Mayzent)
  Research showed that the intake of this medication once a day, can slow down the progress of MS and reduce the relapse rate. It is also approved for treating secondary progressive MS. It might cause harm to the developing fetus, as a result of which, women who may become pregnant should follow their doctor’s advice on the same.
• Fingolimod (Gilenya)
  This form of medication among the treatments for multiple sclerosis is administered once a day and helps in reducing the relapse rate.
• Teriflunomide (Aubagio)
  It also helps in reducing the relapse rate of MS.

The following are injections that can be used to slow the progression of multiple sclerosis:

• Glatiramer Acetate (Copaxone and Glatopia)
  This medication should be injected under the skin, and it is effective in blocking the attack of the immune system on myelin.
• Beta interferons
  This medication is required to be injected beneath the skin or into the muscles. This helps in reducing the frequency and severity of MS relapses.

Infusions that are used to treat multiple sclerosis include the following:

• Natalizumab (Tysabri)
  It helps in blocking the movement of the immune cells that possess the potential to cause damage from the bloodstream to the brain or spinal cord. For patients with severe MS, this is considered as the first line of treatment.
• Ocrelizumab (Ocrevus)
  This immunoglobulin antibody medication is approved by the FDA and is administered through intravenous infusion. It is used for treating both RRMS and PPMS patients.
• Alemtuzumab (Campath, Lemtrada)
  It targets a protein on the immune cell’s surface and depletes white blood cells to reduce MS relapses. This medication is required to be infused for five consecutive days that should be followed by three days of infusion after a year.

All these forms of medication are used to treat MS patients; however, one should consult their doctor regarding possible side effects to identify the medication that would be suitable for them.